4 comments
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The need to start a collapse aware 'cult' was mentioned and immediately the experience of Jim Jones was brought up, and the negative qualities of cults were touched upon.

Had I been there I'd have added that not all cults end in suicide but that leader troubles are a problem. The absolute power corrupts absolutely problem raises its head on a regular basis. For an example of a cult which did not end in suicide and one in which some of the members were actually bettered by the experience I recommend and recently watched The Source Family.

This was an excellent podcast. Great insight offered by all participants. Reverse Engineer, Monsa, and Dmitry all did excellent jobs elucidating issues and problems around presenting collapse to mainstream people.

Dmitry wants to get everyone in a state of mind so the future disastrous events to come don't freak them out. R.E. and Monsa want more, a collapse ready community, and ask Dmitry for advice concerning what it takes to build an enduring community. A stimulating discussion this is.

My view of Guy Mcpherson and NTE pretty much matches RE, Monsa and Dmitry's. But I add to the discussion that I'm glad Guy is active in presenting the extreme view he is and the world is better for it. I'll hold a door open for him any time.

I emphasize, a very stimulating discussion and a good listen. That's what I think.

Dmitry,your comment on starting a religion made me remember when you said a good option is to find a historic house/site, buy it, and then establish a nature sanctuary and a religion there. Seems like a natural fit.

Our tribe gave up much of our indigenous religion under the pressure of Christianity, but there are still some of us who practice some of the old ways.

I have always thought it would be interesting and a good direction to combine the following elements into a religion of some kind:

1. Indigenous spirituality (a three-part focus on a. various deities and/or powers of nature (with recognition of the Great Mystery that is unknowable beyond even the gods), b. one's ancestors and families, c. the land where you live that you must care for)

2. The religion should (must) be consistent with what is known to be true through science (evolution, the scientific method, physics, astronomy, etc.) to be consistent with truth and rationality as far as possible (short of being nihilistic or dogmatically atheistic). Superstition is to be avoided, however mythic thinking...

3. While knowing the physical aspects of existence are best explained by science, the religion must be open to mythic thinking, to account for our needs that cannot be met otherwise, as we are not only rational beings but we are irrational creatures as well. Art, storytelling, myth, ritual need to all be part of it as well.

4. The religion should combine universals of ethic systems such as treating another as you wish to be treated (golden rule), the best of such systems as Stoicism (endure and accept, and deal with whatever happens) and Epicureanism (smell the flowers while ye may and drink wine for tomorrow we die) both with equanimity (my tribe feasted when there was food and fasted tranquilly when there was not). Hospitality and a warrior's code to defend the community should be incorporated because of what will happen during a collapse.